Get up close to the world of birds: International Migratory Bird Day

Watch an owl fly silently to a perch, and learn the secret of how they manage to be so quiet. Discover special places along the Rideau River that shelter birds − and why they need our protection. Hear storytellers share the wonders of a bird’s migration journey and other fascinating tales of these small and delightful creatures.

All this, and more, will be part of a free celebration of International Bird Day, Saturday May 13, 2017 from 10 am to 1 pm at Brewer Park on Bronson Avenue. The theme for this family-friendly and fun event is “Helping Birds along the Way”.

Activities include guided bird-watching walks through the many interesting habitats along the Rideau River in Brewer Park and, especially for the kids, a visual nature scavenger hunt, storytelling, migration parade and crafts. Falcon-Ed will bring trained hawks and owls for a raptor (predatory bird) demonstration, showing them flying as well as perched. There will also be an information tent featuring local organizations that focus on birds and many aspects of their interesting lives.

This is the fifth year of the celebration in Ottawa and 2017 also marks the Centenary of the Migratory Bird Convention Act, Canada’s first wildlife law regulating hunting and protecting migratory birds from harm. Nature Canada and the Canadian Biodiversity Institute are collaborating to bring this exciting event to Ottawa, with financial support from Wildlife Habitat Canada, NSERC Science Odyssey and Nature Canada.

Bring just yourself or the whole family and have a fun and educational experience that will open a door to the fascinating world of birds! For more information on International Migratory Bird Day and details about the Ottawa event visit naturecanada.ca/initiatives/bird-day.